33888 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education

33888 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education: Has the total amount of money allocated to the Apprenticeship Boost scheme changed during this parliamentary term; if so, by percentage and dollar value, how much?

Hon Penny Simmonds: The total amount appropriated for the Apprenticeship Boost scheme through Vote Tertiary Education and Vote Social Development (Refer Estimates of Appropriation for 2025/26 for Votes Tertiary Education and Social Development) has been reduced from $54.050m to $26.239m, which is a $27.721m reduction (-51.3%). Actual figures for spend from Vote Social Development are held by the Ministry of Social Development. This change reflects the decision to transition the Apprenticeship Boost scheme from a COVID-19 recovery measure to an initiative that will support apprenticeships in priority sectors, addressing skill shortages while maintaining the Government’s Coalition commitment to maintain Apprenticeship Boost.